Wellness modalities
Wellness Benefits of Sound Meditation
Oct
Sound influences not only our ears but also our entire bodies, having an impact on us physiologically and psychologically. Therapeutic sound techniques like sound meditation and vibrational sound therapy enhance wellness through the experience of sound frequencies and physical vibrations.
What Is Sound Meditation?
Sound immersion meditation is usually done in a group setting (like the sessions we offer on Monday evenings from 5 to 6 p.m.). It involves a combination of tuning forks, Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, and other instruments to help participants achieve a focused mind. The soothing pulses help individuals let go of distractions, release stress, and experience a meditative state. Also known as “sound baths,” this form of meditation is sometimes also performed as part of reiki or acupuncture sessions.
What Is Vibrational Sound Therapy?
Like sound meditation, vibrational sound therapy involves using various sound frequency-producing tools and instruments, most commonly singing bowls. This therapeutic modality is typically practiced one-on-one — with a certified vibrational sound therapist using sound frequencies to target a client’s specific physical or emotional issues. The therapist uses their sound tools to create physical vibrations through the client’s body, releasing blocked chakras so energy can flow more freely.
How Does Sound Healing Work?
Therapeutic sound frequencies activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body after stress or danger. Sound therapy also leads brainwaves to synchronize with the sound frequencies (a phenomenon known as entrainment) and enter a restful state, naturally encouraging the body to achieve deep relaxation.
The vibrations of physical objects produce sound waves. For example, sound energy emerges from the vibration created when you clap your hands or when the keys of the piano strike and vibrate the strings within the instrument. Different sounds have different frequencies, and specific frequencies can affect the human brain and body in various ways.
Benefits of Sound Immersion Meditation on the Body and Mind
Individuals report a variety of benefits physically and mentally during — and after — experiencing sound healing techniques.
- Reduced feelings of stress and anxiety
- Improved Immune Function (Because sound meditation reduces cortisol levels, it can also positively impact immune health.)
- Enhanced cardiovascular health (Research indicates meditation techniques can help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.)
- Decreases pain and inflammation
- Elevated sense of well-being
- Better sleep
According to vibrational sound therapist Lori Stahl, who guides our Monday night Sound Immersion Meditation sessions, “People often report feeling deeply relaxed and calm, happier, and less anxious after attending sound immersion meditation. It can help bring awareness and liberate emotional blockages. It helps people look at things in their lives from new perspectives and see new possibilities.”
By the way, Lori operates a Vibrational Sound Therapy Center in Lancaster County, where she practices various vibrational sound modalities, including sound meditation, vibrational sound therapy, and biofield tuning (which uses tuning forks to balance the body’s electrical system). I encourage you to reach out to her if you’re curious about how sound therapy might help you elevate your wellness.
Experience the Healing Energy of Sound at our Gong Puja: Oct. 28 – 29
Gong Puja — an immersive relaxing and restorative overnight experience — is coming to our wellness hub on Friday, Oct. 28 @ 9:15 p.m. and concludes on Saturday, Oct. 29 @ 6 a.m.
The Gong Puja is a sacred sound ceremony and celebration developed by Grand Gong Master Don Conreaux. The Gong Puja lasts 7.5 hours, with ten consecutive 45-minute gong baths. During the Puja, participants sleep through the night into the early morning, bathed in healing sound vibrations.
What can you expect? The sleep may be meditative, and you may enter a relaxed, dream-like state. Deep relaxation from the gong bath can help you cleanse, release tension, and relieve blocks.
Learn more and sign up! Hurry, space is limited.
Sources and references:
Goldstein CM, Josephson R, Xie S, Hughes JW. Current perspectives on the use of meditation to reduce blood pressure. Int J Hypertens. 2012;2012:578397. doi: 10.1155/2012/578397. Epub 2012 Mar 5. PMID: 22518287; PMCID: PMC3303565.
Goldsby TL, Goldsby ME, McWalters M, Mills PJ. Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2017;22(3):401-406. doi:10.1177/2156587216668109.
